NC BOOK4 UNIT 9

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New Connection—Book 4
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UNIT 9
Smartphone Addicts
Starting Off:
Mobile technology analyst Tomi Ahonen recently announced his findings regarding the top countries for smartphone penetration. According to the data he compiled, Singapore is leading the way. Not only do most people in the country have multiple cell phone subscriptions, 90% of the population owns at least one smartphone!
What do you think the rate of smartphone ownership is in your country? Why do you think some people need more than one cell phone or cell phone subscription? How do you think a significant rise in smartphone ownership in your country would impact people’s daily lives?
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Task I
Fill in the blanks with words from the audio.
GETTING READY
Dimensions
Pixel Density
Resolution
Megapixels
Storage
Slot
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Task II
Listen to the audio again. Choose the correct answers.
GETTING READY


1. What does the customer say he likes using his phone for?
a. Taking pictures
b. Watching videos
c. Browsing the Internet

2. What does the clerk say about cell phone processors?
a. Most phones have similar ones.
b. The Neon 4’s is twice as good as the Supersonic’s.
c. They determine how well a phone operates.

3. Which phone will the customer most likely buy?
a. Berry alphaPhone
b. HTZ Supersonic
c. LR Neon 4
(b)




(c)




(b)
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GETTING READY
Clerk: Good afternoon, sir. How can I help you today?
Customer: I’d like to get a new smartphone. However, I’m not very tech-savvy1, so I’m not sure what kind I should get.
Clerk: No problem. Let me show you the Berry alphaPhone first.
Customer: Wow, it looks pretty small. What are its dimensions2?
Clerk: It’s about four and a half inches long and two and a third inches wide.
Customer: Sorry, but I need a larger phone. They feel more comfortable in my hands.
Clerk: All right. How about the HTZ Supersonic3? It has a 4.7 inch screen with a pixel4 density5 of 440 pixels per inch, or ppi.
Customer: What does that mean?
Clerk: Basically, the higher the ppi, the more vivid images will appear.
Customer: Well, that’s definitely important. I like watching movies and stuff on my phone.
Clerk: How about taking pictures?
Customer: If I could get a phone with a decent camera, I would probably do that, too.
Clerk: Well, the Supersonic has an eight-megapixel6 camera, so the pictures and video you capture with it will be as good as many digital cameras.
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GETTING READY
Customer: Is that the best camera available?
Clerk: Actually, that’s the standard resolution nowadays. So, most phones have the same.
Customer: So then besides screen size, what differentiates7 one phone from another?
Clerk: It mostly comes down to the performance of its processor8 and the size of its RAM9 and internal storage10.
Customer: Huh?
Clerk: Well, the first part relates to how smoothly the phone will run. And the amount of RAM determines how much the phone can do at one time. For optimal performance, you’ll want at least a gigabyte11 of RAM; two or more gigs would be even better.
Customer: I see. Does the Supersonic have the most RAM?
Clerk: No, the LR Neon 4 has double what the Supersonic has.
Customer: How many gigabytes of storage does the Neon have?
Clerk: It has 16 gigs, but you can expand it by inserting a memory card.
Customer: Can I do that with the Supersonic?
Clerk: Unfortunately, neither of the other phones has a memory card slot12.
Customer: Hmm, it would be nice to have the option to add more storage when I need it, but overall, the appearance of the screen is the most important thing for me.
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WORD POWER
A. Listen Up
Listen to the audio and choose the correct words from the options below.
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WORD POWER
Christa: Hey, Leon. Are you on an unlimited data plan1?
Leon: No. Why?
Christa: Well, I wanted to try out this new video chat app2 with you, but it’s not recommended for those with a small data limit3. Is there a Wi-Fi connection4 available here?
Leon: There is, but I still can’t use the app with you, Christa. My phone doesn’t have a front-facing camera5.
Christa: Really? I thought every smartphone came with one.
Leon: Not mine. It’s one of its many flaws6.
Christa: Oh, well. Are there any new apps that you’d recommend I try?
Leon: Hmm. I’ve been using a nice accounting app lately.
Christa: That sounds boring.
Leon: No, it’s really great! As you go through your day, you input information about everything you buy. Then, this app will calculate your weekly and monthly expenditures7, and you’ll receive notifications8 about ways to cut back on your spending.
Christa: Sorry, but I prefer entertainment-related apps. Have you played that game where you get to be a zombie9 killer?
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WORD POWER
Leon: Nope. I detest10 violent games.
Christa: This one isn’t so bad. The graphics are quite cute, actually. You see, all of the zombies are different types of food, like vegetables or cakes.
Leon: Strange.
Christa: I love it. And what’s really cool is that you can take a snapshot11 while playing to use as wallpaper12 for your phone.
Leon: I might be willing to give it a try if it would run on my outdated OS13, but since it’s a new game, I doubt that it’ll work.
Christa: I think you’re right. As far as I know, you need the newest version to play this game.
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WORD POWER
B. Word Focus: Smartphone Functions
Explain the meanings of the phrases below.
→ copying programs from a site to one’s device
→ sending short messages via one’s cell phone
→ watching video files online without needing to download them
→ determining one’s location through the use of satellites
→ using one’s phone to provide Internet access to other devices
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WORD POWER
C. Speak Out Loud
Pair up with a classmate and decide which of the features below is the most useful. Then give a presentation to convince your classmates that all cell phones in the future must have it.
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CONVERSATION ZONE
（對話影片檔）
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Carl: Maggie, is that a new phone? Why did you scrap1 the one you recently bought?
Maggie: Smartphone technology improves so fast nowadays that these
①________2 are out of date in a few months.
Carl: Perhaps. But I think the improvements3 over your last phone will be pretty negligible4.
Maggie: I doubt it. This phone has 64 gigabytes of ② ________, 2 gigs of RAM, an 8-megapixel camera, and a screen with a pixel density of 326 ppi.
Carl: That could be ③ ___________ provided5 that you understand what it means. Do you?
Maggie: Well, some of it is Greek to me, but I know this one is better than the older model.
The Latest and Greatest
CONVERSATION ZONE
Fill in the blanks with the correct forms of the choices given. Listen to check your answers.
Maggie is talking to her friend Carl about her new smartphone.
devices
storage
impressive
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Carl: Honestly, even if you compared them side-by-side6, I doubt that you’d ④ ___________ 7 much difference in how the two phones perform despite the fact the new one has better specifications8.
Maggie: Even if you’re right, I feel like I have my hands tied. Unless I have the newest phone, I can’t download the latest games!
Carl: I don’t understand why so many people use their phones
⑤ ___________ 9 as game systems now.
Maggie: It isn’t rocket science. People perpetually10 have phones with them. When you’re bored, it’s a convenient option for keeping occupied11.
Carl: I’m too busy ⑥ ___________ 12 my mind with books to waste time on games.
Maggie: You seem to have a lot of hostility13 towards smartphones. They can also be used for pursuits that require more ⑦ ___________ 14, like reading digital copies of books.
Carl: I know those phones are state of the art and can do many things, but I prefer to read novels as they were intended to be read.
Maggie: Suit yourself.
CONVERSATION ZONE
discern
primarily
broadening
intellect
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CONVERSATION ZONE—REVIEW
A. Expression Usage
Match the expression with its meaning.
e
d
b
f
a
c
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CONVERSATION ZONE—REVIEW
B. Complete the Passage
Fill in the blanks with the correct forms of the words provided. Change the parts of speech if necessary.
side-by-side
perpetual
negligible
intellectual
provided
In studies where the health of people from urban and rural areas is compared  ______________, city dwellers usually show a higher risk for health disorders. Researchers claim that city residents’  ______________ exposure to pollution is the main problem. These effects can be seen in people of all ages and are far from  ______________. Additionally, spending too much time indoors on  ______________ pursuits, like studying, rather than playing outside, has led to an increase in vision problems, ADHD, and asthma among city youths. It is expected that these problems will continue  ______________ that city populations remain high.
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CONVERSATION ZONE—REVIEW
C. Multiple Choice
Choose the answers.
1. How does Carl think Maggie’s new phone compares to her old one?
a. It has several significant advantages.
b. It looks more impressive.
c. It is unlikely to perform much better.
d. It has considerably more storage.

2. What does Maggie admit?
a. She prefers her old phone.
b. She doesn’t understand her phone.
c. She only plays games for a short time.
d. She doesn’t update her phone enough.
(c)






(b)
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CONVERSATION ZONE—REVIEW
3. Why did Maggie purchase the new phone?
a. To play games recently released
b. To keep herself occupied
c. To read novels
d. To have the newest one available

4. What is Carl’s opinion about reading books on one’s phone?
a. It can help broaden his mind.
b. It’s not as fun as playing games.
c. Reading a real one is better.
d. He should consider it.
(a)





(c)
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1. I tried to explain to my friend what I was currently studying in medical school, but she ___________________________ what I was talking about.
2. The city’s residents thought the reason why more stoplights needed to be erected ____________________, so they worked together to get the politicians to put them up.
3. Ms. Walters could always tell when her lectures _____________ her students because they would just stare at her and not contribute to the discussion.
Fill in the appropriate expressions.
EXPRESSION SPOTLIGHT
A. Being Confusing or Comprehensible
couldn’t make heads or tails of
was as plain as day
were Greek to
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EXPRESSION SPOTLIGHT
B. Doing What One Wants
Rewrite the parts in bold with the expressions above. Practice saying the sentences with a partner.
1. Teresa hated working in groups. She felt that the people she was forced to work with limited her creativity.
→ Teresa hated working in groups. She felt that the people she was forced to work with cramped her style.
2. Since Donald wasn’t familiar with the techniques of interior design, he allowed his decorator to do whatever she wanted.
→ Since Donald wasn’t familiar with the techniques of interior design, he allowed his decorator to do as he/she pleased / have free rein.
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Pair up with a classmate and create dialogues using the expressions above and the words provided.
EXPRESSION SPOTLIGHT
C. Talking About Modern Things
1. 3D displays
2. pay phones
3. web browsers
4. video chat programs
5. public transportation
Example:

A: I can’t believe that newspapers still exist. They are really past their prime.
B: In my opinion, they are still important. They just need to find more state-of-the-art ways to deliver the news.
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EXPRESSION PRACTICE
A. True or False
Listen to the audio and select if the statements are true (T) or false (F).






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EXPRESSION PRACTICE
Megan: Hi, Luke. What’s the matter?
Luke: Oh, hi, Megan. It seems I’ve gotten myself lost.
Megan: Where are you trying to go?
Luke: I want to go to this new pastry shop that is supposed to have the most delicious pumpkin tarts ever, but I can’t make heads or tails of these directions I have.
Megan: Let me see. Hmm, looking at these, the reason you’re lost is as plain as day. Do you have the exact address of the place?
Luke: Sure. It’s 405 Whitmore Avenue, but how does that help?
Megan: I’m going to check it on the map application on my smartphone.
Luke: I have one of those, but the information in them always goes over my head.
Megan: Reading a map isn’t rocket science.
Luke: There are too many icons on them, and they’re all Greek to me.
Megan: OK, well, it looks like you need to turn left at that next intersection up there, and then go north for six blocks. The place should be on your right. Got that?
Luke: Your directions are crystal clear.
Megan: See you later then.
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EXPRESSION PRACTICE
B. Guess Who
Listen and write the name of the speaker (Kathy or Alvin) who would most likely make each statement.
Alvin

Kathy

Kathy

Kathy

Alvin
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EXPRESSION PRACTICE
Kathy: Alvin, can I speak to you for a moment?
Alvin: Sure, Kathy. What’s going on?
Kathy: I’ve been receiving a lot of complaints from your coworkers about your teamwork abilities. You do know that you can’t just do as you please, right?
Alvin: Sure. But the problem is that I’m more creative than everyone else. The people in my group are really cramping my style.
Kathy: I’m sorry to hear that you feel that way, but I believe you are exaggerating things. At this company, we do everything we can to make sure no one’s creativity is hemmed in.
Alvin: Are you kidding? The only one who has free rein to do what she wants is our team leader, Donna. Everyone else has to follow her orders.
Kathy: You’re incorrect about that. Everyone on your team submits ideas to Donna, and then she picks which one to move forward with.
Alvin: That’s crazy. You have no idea what really happens on my team!
Kathy: OK. I see that there’s no changing your mind about this. Now, I’ve got my hands tied. With an attitude like yours, I have no choice but to let you go.
Alvin: Suit yourself. I’ll just get a job at a company that appreciates me!
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EXPRESSION PRACTICE
C. Fill out the Chart
Decide which type of game fits each statement (3D or phone) and give your reasons based on the audio.
3D


phone



phone



3D



3D
Jessica states that anyone who wants to play a cutting edge game has to try one in 3D.

Owen admits that cell phone games become old hat in just a few years.

Owen believes that the advancement of cell phones will keep games for them from going out of date.

Jessica says that 3D games are light years ahead of the games available on other gaming systems.

Owen thinks that 3D games won’t be considered advanced for much longer and will be past their prime long before cell phone games.
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EXPRESSION PRACTICE
Owen: Hey, Jessica. Is that the new 3D game console?
Jessica: It sure is! I’ve been playing it all day. The games available to play on this are light years ahead of those for every other system.
Owen: Perhaps, but I just downloaded a new one on my smartphone, and it still looks great to me.
Jessica: Oh, come on, Owen! The graphics might look state of the art compared to what else you can play on your device, but there’s no way they’re as advanced as what I’ve got here.
Owen: I admit that cell phone games released over a year ago are already old hat, but as phones develop and become more advanced, it will keep the games played on them from going out of date.
Jessica: Whatever. I think that anyone who wants games that are cutting edge has to start playing ones in 3D. They’re the future!
Owen: Honestly, in a few years we’ll be having this conversation again, but 3D games will be the ones that will be past their prime. However, we’ll still have cell phones, and we’ll have even better games for them!
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GRAMMAR ESSENTIALS
Subordinate Conjunctions
A subordinate conjunction can be used to connect a dependent clause to the main clause in a compound sentence.
A. Types
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GRAMMAR ESSENTIALS
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GRAMMAR ESSENTIALS
B. Structure
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GRAMMAR WORKOUT
A. Complete the Sentences
Finish the sentences with a subordinate conjunction and dependent clause that match the type indicated.
1. I check all of my bank accounts online every day _______________________________________________________. (Reason)

2. Georgia is willing to give assistance to whichever charity asks
_________________________________________________________. (Time)

3. John agreed to attend another seminar with Luke ______________________________________________________. (Contrast)

4. Hank walked right past his sister without saying anything _______________________________________________________. (Manner)

5. I happily accepted the job offer I received ______________________________________________________________. (Condition)
because I want to monitor my spending habits


when she is on a break from school


even though the first one they went to was horrible


as if he hadn’t seen her at all


on condition that I could try it out for a week before signing the contract
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For decades, people suffering from addiction problems have been advised to check themselves into rehabilitation clinics  _____________ they finally decide they need help. However,  __________________ these facilities are often regarded as being the best option, many patients leave them and quickly begin their dangerous habits once again.  ____________ private centers are more concerned about attracting customers than improving care, the help that patients receive is often minimal and inaccurate. In fact, a report by Columbia University claims that addiction treatment providers in expensive rehabilitation centers often act  ____________ they’ve received medical training, but most of them haven’t. A small clinic run by a certified medical professional will be much more beneficial than a large private facility  ______ one is truly looking to kick one’s addiction for good.
GRAMMAR WORKOUT
B. Complete the Passage
Fill in the blanks with words from the box. There are two extra choices.
as soon as
Because
as though
if
despite the fact that
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GRAMMAR WORKOUT
C. Match
Match the sentence parts.
e
b
d
c
a
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1. Smartphone = + meaning


2. Nomophobia = + + meaning



3. Ringxiety = + meaning

READING─PRE-READING TASK
A portmanteau word, or blend, is a term that is created by combining other words. Can you figure out the meaning of the portmanteau words in the article? What words do you think have been combined to create them?
a cell phone that can do more advanced tasks than regular phones
P. 37
P. 38
Smart
(Cell) Phone
No
Mobile (Phone)
fear of not having one’s cell phone
being very worried about missing one’s phone ringing
Ring
Anxiety
Phobia
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READING
智慧型手機的問題面

根據國際電信聯盟的資料，全球有六十億的手機服務用戶。在已發展國家，有將近一半的手機是用智慧型手機。雖然這類裝置有許多很好的用途，它們卻也是諸多問題的來源。
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READING
有了手機，沒了禮貌
禮儀專家們同意智慧型手機對現代禮儀有所損害。在過去，與人會面時給予他人全部的專注是常態。現在，對話中透過手機查看社群網站則是常有的事。事實上，有八成的智慧型手機使用者表示他們並不覺得偶爾在社交場合中使用手機有何不妥。當這些使用者對於他們可能對他人造成的影響漠不關心，在其周遭的人可能會覺得不太舒服。許多手機遊戲對戰的音效在大眾運輸上同時響起已變得都很平常了，在漆黑的電影院裡人們也因為不願等到晚點再回覆簡訊而讓手機的亮光出現。
Back to PRE-READING TASK
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READING
新症狀的誕生
社交互動不是唯一讓人困擾的問題，許多新的精神問題也歸因於手機使用的普遍。其中一個問題就是「無手機恐懼症」，即對於沒有手機感到無比恐懼。對於有這類恐懼症的人來說，沒辦法使用手機比去看牙醫還令人害怕。因此，他們通常擁有多支手機，以確保手邊不會沒有手機。在美國和英國，預估約有40％的智慧型手機使用者出現像這類至少輕微的症狀。
Back to PRE-READING TASK
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「幽靈鈴聲症候群」，有時口語中亦稱為「手機幻聽」，也變成一個很普遍的現象。當人們經常接聽電話、接收簡訊、即時訊息和其他通知，他們的腦袋就會一直處於期待這些會發生的狀態中。這有時會導致一個人想像他聽到手機鈴聲或感到手機震動，而實際上並沒有。研究顯示超過六成的手機使用者曾有這樣的經驗，而隨著人們使用手機的時間增加，這類情形的發生也很可能會增加。
READING
Back to PRE-READING TASK
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就是沒辦法放下
智慧型手機已成為現代生活不可或缺的一部分，有八成的使用者認為他們離不開手機。在一項調查中，將近三分之一的受訪者表示即使會接受罰款，他們也不願意放棄手機一天。另外，在一項網路問卷調查中，有22％的回應者說他們寧願放棄牙刷也不願放棄智慧型手機。雖然智慧型手機成癮是相對較新的概念，但有證據顯示有些使用者可能大大地受其影響。
READING
Back to PRE-READING TASK
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READING
雖然無法否認智慧型手機提供使用者許多好處，但每個人監控自身使用方式以避免產生任何嚴重的問題才是明智之舉。
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1. All of the spectators attributed the winner’s success to luck. Since he was new to the sport, it was difficult to ______________ it to his experience.
2. Despite Harry’s qualms, he agreed to help Ava with the project. He had some ______________ about how much she would actually contribute.
3. As dawn came, everything was illuminated by the sun. As the sky ______________, Glenn could easily see where the path was.
4. The colloquial term U-Dub is used as frequently as the name University of Washington. In fact, many of the school’s publications use the ______________ title.
5. There is a strong likelihood that the shop will go out of business soon. The ______________ is high because it has received multiple bad reviews.
6. Solar eclipses are rare occurrences. Therefore, any ______________ when you can view one is very special.
READING─AFTER YOU READ
A. Understand from the Context
Complete the sentences with synonyms of the words in bold. Use the
correct forms of the words provided.
credit
apprehension
lightened
informal
probability
instance
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1. Years after the accident, Mel still occasionally felt ______________ pains in his leg. (perceived but not real)
2. With no public transportation in the ______________, Vince had no choice but to walk home. (nearby area)
3. Every time Rhoda visited the restaurant, she was asked to fill out a(n) ______________ about her experience. (survey)
4. In the past, it was proper dating ______________ for the man to pay, but modern couples often split the bill. (rules of behavior)
5. Ron’s desire to yell at his boss was so ______________ that he left the room in order to get a handle on his temper. (intense and difficult to control)
READING─AFTER YOU READ
B. Complete the Sentences
Fill in the blanks with words from the article. Use the hints to help you.
phantom
vicinity
questionnaire
etiquette
overwhelming
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READING─AFTER YOU READ
C. Comprehension Check
Answer the questions.
Nowadays, people divide their attention between the person they are speaking to and their phones. Additionally, many are not concerned about how the use of their phones could be affecting those around them, such as in regard to the amount of noise they are making.
People with Nomophobia will usually own multiple cell phones to ensure that they won’t be out of contact with others.
People have become so accustomed to listening for sounds from their phones that their brains are constantly anticipating an incoming call or text. This sometimes leads to one imagining that the phone is ringing when it isn’t.
The author advises that people be careful about how much time they spend on their smartphones in order to safeguard themselves from developing serious issues.
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WRITING SKILLS
45
WRITING SKILLS
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WRITING SKILLS
Task
Create your own definitions for the words related to smartphones below.
1. connected (adj.)
→ able to communicate because one is joined to a network

2. ignore (v.)
→ to not answer a call on purpose

3. receiver (n.)
→ a person who is called by someone

4. automatically (adv.)
→ in a way that requires no planning

5. upload (v.)
→ to transfer information from your device to a larger computer network via the Internet
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WRITING SKILLS─BEFORE YOU WRITE
Think of five uncommon or difficult words related to smartphones and write definitions for them below. Then read the definitions to a partner and see if he or she can figure out which word you are defining.
screen protector (n.)


scroll (v.)


unlisted (adj.)


tether (v.)


multi-touch (adj.)
a clear piece of plastic that is placed over a device’s display

to move information on a screen in order to read different parts of a page

related to information not found in a database or directory

to use one’s mobile phone to connect other devices to the Internet

related to the ability to use multiple fingers on a screen at one time
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WRITING SKILLS─WRITE IT UP
If a term is abstract or does not have a common meaning, people could have their own individual definitions for it. For example, two people could define “beauty” in very different ways. In a definition essay, you can explain what you think the meaning of something is through personal descriptions and examples. Define what you think smartphone addiction is in a 200-word essay.
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WRITING SKILLS─WRITE IT UP
Smartphone Addiction
Introduction:
Now that our mobile phones are able to do so much, it’s unsurprising that many people say they can’t live without theirs. While for some, that idea is an exaggeration, for others it is the absolute truth. In my opinion, smartphone addition is the inability to limit or control the frequency of one’s smartphone usage.

Body:
A person with an addiction is someone who can’t stop him or herself from doing something. Dangerous substances are so commonly the source of addiction that most people know to stay away from them, but some things are harder to abstain from. For example, some people are addicted to fast food, meaning they have the urge to eat it frequently and have difficulty going without it for a length of time. Unfortunately, in today’s fast-paced world, completely eliminating fast food from one’s diet can be nearly impossible. Similarly, it can be hard to live in modern times without a smartphone, which is what makes this addiction so common. Just as with fast food, however, moderation is important for proper smartphone use.
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According to experts, if a person must be with a smartphone every minute of the day, it’s a good indication of addiction. The panic they feel if they don’t have a phone can be similar to what smokers feel when they don’t have a cigarette. People who are unable to objectively monitor how often they use, or even just touch, their smartphones have an obvious problem.

Conclusion:
People today need to be careful about how frequently they utilize their smartphones. They must consciously try to keep their use within a normal range; otherwise, they risk becoming smartphone addicts.
WRITING SKILLS─WRITE IT UP
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The End